Jazz for aficionados

I truly appreciate the thoughtful responses about PDR as they've honestly provided food for thought. I've never thought about the comparison between PDR and Wynton Marsalis. While I understand the basis of the comparison, I'd say that a primary difference between the 2 is PDR plays with passion and fire, words I've never heard associated with Marsalis. I'd add that while there are those that feel WM's style to be a little too cool for school (at the Jazzsites I visit just the mention of WM brings out some fierce haters!). I've never subscribed to that train of thought, while not being a big fan of his work, I do own a few of his records. Like I said, after giving it some thought, I'd have to agree the comparison is valid EXCEPT for for those 2 little words; passion & fire. I'm off to my Latin Jazz chatroom with a new subject line comparing PDR with WM, thx for input!

Frogman:

I have a question. I don't know if it's legit, or just my imagination. But if I hear a trumpet playing Mexican Music, just a note or two, I can tell immediately that's it's Mexican music. Not because I recognize the music, but just by the sound / tone of the trumpet. I think this might be true of some other genres as well.

Does this make any sense? If it does, what is the musical explanation for this. Talk about it.

Thanks
Cheers

It is definitely NOT your imagination. Mariachi trumpet players have some very distinctive characteristics s in their playing; in fact, there is a "Mariachi school" of trumpet playing. This style is studied by those players just as the classical and jazz styles are; although, in fairness, there is arguably less complexity (if not subtlety) in that style.

The most distinctive aspect of this style is the use of very fast, but very wide, vibrato; much wider than than used by most jazz or classical players. There is also a very unique and "punchy" way of articulating notes. Articulation is the way that the note is started, usually by the use of the tongue. Mariachi trumpet usually "hits" the note with the tongue in a more aggressive way than in jazz; and certainly more than in classical, where a greater level of finesse in articulation is appropriate. Notice that I said "appropriate"; this lesser level of finesse is not necessarily a deficiency on the part of the players' technique, and is used to fit the style. Interestingly, studies have been done (and this has relevance to audio) that show that recorded players' tones (any instrument) are very difficult to distinguish from each other if you remove the initial attack of the note (articulation/"leading edge" in audio).

More subtle points are preference for a brighter/brassier tone than in other styles, and a tendency to play on the high side of the pitch. Just as with rhythm where some players play on the front or back side of the beat, some players play a little on the sharp side of perfect intonation as opposed to on the low side of the pitch (many jazz players). In jazz, playing on the low side of the pitch can highlight a "bluesy" sound. In Mariachi, playing on the high side of pitch gives the sound extra brilliance. These can be subtle deviations from perfect intonation and not necessarily identified as being out of tune.

Viva Zapata!

Frogman:

Thanks for the prompt and informative reply on the Mariachi trumpet question.

Paquito Vindicated!!! This guy can blow / bop with the best. I listened to 'Milstones' with Claudio Roditi, Paquito and Kenny Barron Great record. I guess it depends what you are playing and where and with whom. This set is live at the bluenote.

I get LULU today. Can't wait to see and hear Miss Julia.

Cheers

It's interesting concerning the backlash some have towards Wynton.It seems a badge of hipness and inter circle creditability to dis him. Too mainstream, unoriginal, lacks soul, passion, and on and on it goes.I'd love the opportunity to get any of these "hipper" musicians on the stage with him and attempt to outplay or "expose him", good luck. Just seems like typical envy and petty jealousy ("hey he gets to much undeserved praise"). Reminds me of how some people react to Tiger Woods or Michael Jordan. They're so talented and gifted that people just find reasons not to like them.

It someone doesn't like Wynton's style that a matter of taste (and that's fine) butvto say he can't play or not to acknowledge his obvious talent is just nutty.The man can flat out play the trumpet.
Regards,